ES2921927T3 - A system for volumetric disposal of waste in street containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A volumetric waste disposal system in surface and/or underground and/or partially underground road containers, emptiable from above or below, comprises, as a whole: - one or more road containers provided with univocal identification means, such as, for example RFID or QRcode readers or a bar code or other elements adapted to the object; - one or more domestic containers provided with at least one RFID chip or a QRcode or a barcode or other element adapted to the object; in which each garbage can has the main emptying mouth accessible to users by means of a lid or a bottom that cannot be opened and that is also provided with at least one disposal mouth associated with a hook and release device of the domestic bin, configured to allow the volumetric disposal of the waste using the domestic container itself as the unit of volumetric measurement only if it is recognized by means of said univocal means of identification. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

A system for volumetric disposal of waste in street containers

[0001] The present invention substantially relates to the sector of waste containers of the type that must be handled and lifted regularly for emptying and, more specifically, to containers made of plastic material.

[0002] The recent Italian legislation on waste is increasingly aimed at the adoption, by municipalities, of an "equivalent" rate, that is, substantially proportional to the effective amount of waste, which the user disposes of in the container. If, on the one hand, the legislation is intended to considerably simplify the procedures, on the other, it raises doubts about the equivalent nature of the fee.

[0003] In fact, Law 147/2013 allows municipalities to finance the waste management service with an equivalent rate instead of a tax, provided that accurate measurement systems have been developed for the amount of waste disposed of in the service. public. The criteria for the development, by municipalities, of such systems for precise measurement or, however, of management systems, which are based on corrections of the criteria for assigning the cost of the service, are intended to implement a rate effective equivalent.

[0004] The purpose of the decree's strategy is to define homogeneous criteria for the precise measurement of waste that allow its quantification by the municipalities in terms of weight or even volume only.

[0005] Therefore, there is a perceived need for technical solutions capable of: quantifying the eliminated waste and uniquely associating the eliminated and quantified waste with the user who carried out said elimination.

[0006] The most commonly used systems are essentially two and, in order to determine the weight, a specific weight coefficient is used for both systems, which is determined by the municipality based on various parameters.

[0007] The first is the separate "door-to-door" collection (sometimes abbreviated as PaP in Italy). It is a waste management technique, which includes the periodic collection, from the user's home, of the urban waste produced by it.

[0008] As has been said, the waste is weighed indirectly, calculating the volume based on the size of the container assigned to the user and uniquely associated with it by means of an RFID tag. Then, depending on the number of disposals carried out by each user, the rate to be applied is normally calculated according to the "production" of the most polluting waste (dry, non-recyclable).

[0009] When the door-to-door system is implemented, "street" containers are normally removed from the entire geographical area in question.

[0010] The second system refers to the use of street containers provided with a "precise" measurement system and a volumetric limiter. In practice, in this case, the containers are provided with a lid of predetermined volume fixed to the cover (locked in a closed position) and can only be opened by means of a personalized electronic key, which is given to citizens. Said key is recognized by software, which records the removal of the particular user, attributing an estimated weight removal, which, as for the previous solution, is used to calculate the rate to be applied.

[0011] The instruments by which PAYT (Pay-As-You-Throw) type systems are introduced in Europe, USA and Australia are different and have changed rapidly in the last five years , especially due to the development of technologies linked to traceability in general, which have reduced costs, making it possible to apply individual RFID labels even to disposable bags.

[0012] As mentioned above, accurate charging systems for disposed waste are divided into two application procedures: the first is based on user identification (volumetric cap), while the second is based on container identification of different volumes associated with an individual user (door to door). Both procedures have disadvantages, some of which will be highlighted below.

[0013] For systems with volumetric caps, it is established practice to monitor only the disposal of the non-separated fraction, thus linking the rate, at least in part, to the production of this type of non-recyclable waste.

[0014] If we consider that for the separated fraction (with free access) there are also containers present in the area, on the side of containers with volumetric covers and controlled access, the disadvantages of current volumetric systems can be easily understood.

[0015] In fact, it has been shown that, due to the presence of identification systems, some users have begun to illegally dispose of their bags of mixed waste in street containers for separate collection, whose cover is not blocked and whose access is not subject to any control. This inevitably happens for various reasons: users are in a hurry, the key or nameplate has been forgotten at home or has not yet been assigned, bureaucratic delays, temporary cover malfunction, etc.

[0016] Just one of these simple problems is enough to lead to incorrect disposal, also by users who are regularly registered and pay the fee and who would otherwise have no reason to dispose of their waste incorrectly.

[0017] Improper disposal will result in the bag being dumped ahead of the bin (normally emptied by a single command vehicle) or worse, mixed waste being disposed of in unsuitable bins. In both cases, there will be higher costs for the community due to the manual collection of abandoned bags near the containers, or higher costs for the treatment of recyclable materials contaminated by other fractions.

[0018] Other disadvantages of the "volumetric" solution include:

- the costs of the "lid" system applied to the cover, which is normally 2/4 times more expensive than the container itself;

- improvised applications for the mentioned cover, which are not integrated with the aesthetics of the container - excessive weight that falls on the standard covers

- limited access for disabled people

[0019] With regard to the second procedure, although it is undeniable that door-to-door collections allow approximately 20% more separated waste to be intercepted (with the consequent residual value), it is estimated that the cost of door-to-door collections with respect to 30/40% higher than traditional street collections.

[0020] The reason for such costs can be easily understood because the service is usually carried out by collection machines with a limited capacity, requiring at least two/three people on board (driver 1 worker and sometimes 2). Furthermore, such an organization with collection machines with a limited capacity means that these must be frequently emptied into other larger machines, which remain waiting in predetermined areas and then proceed with disposal at collection sites.

[0021] There is also a risk that the waste may become contaminated while it is outside awaiting disposal. In fact, this type of collection is structured according to predetermined times and days of the week so that users leave their container on the street, which is, as stated above, uniquely identified.

[0022] Finally, since door-to-door collections are carried out "manually", they are a burden on the working conditions of those in charge of the collection, particularly in the case of domestic containers, because such personnel have to empty dozens of containers, with different weights, in the collection machine or, again, manually lifting and hooking such containers to the collection machine's container emptying system.

[0023] From document EP2169761 an RFID antenna is known, comprising a housing with an antenna coil arranged therein, as well as a platform of a garbage collection vehicle with a receiving comb in the form of at least one segment. Partially circular to fit under a garbage can receiving ring. The object of EP2169761 is to provide an RFID antenna as well as a platform with an antenna that provides a sufficiently large positional tolerance between the platform and the garbage container and also meets the requirements of EN DIN and the German Federal Waste Management.

[0024] Document DE19835762 substantially describes a rubbish bin for multiple access, for example, for an apartment block, it has the lid normally locked. It is released when a user inserts a chip card. The amount of garbage carried by a user is measured by the increase in the load on the sensors in the suspension of the container. This allows separate billing for each user. Lid latches can be manually opened from inside the container, with small holes to illuminate the emergency release latch, for example if a child becomes trapped inside the container. The purpose of such a container is therefore a waste container for quantitative detection of supplied waste and individual billing, which does not have a lock and the lid can be opened without restriction.

[0025] WO95/01062 simply describes a remote identification system for containers or other objects, where an electrically closed loop is placed around a container or other object. A passive transponder is placed in the vicinity of the electrically closed loop. An electronic interrogator could then be placed anywhere near the electrically closed loop and would be able to read the transponder regardless of the orientation of the transponder relative to the interrogator.

[0026] Document US2012318791 simply describes a container for collecting solid waste, in particular urban waste, provided with a device for weighing the products deposited by a single user, of the type made up of two containers, the one that covers the outside and the inside to collect waste. Such a container includes a rigid frame disposed in the space between the two containers. Said frame rests on four uprights in the lower part of the outermost container, where the wheels are applied, while some load cells are arranged on the upper edge, which support the innermost container to be able to detect the weight of the waste deposited in it. the container by the user.

[0027] None of the cited documents of the prior art describes or suggests a system to prevent another type of waste from being inserted in a street container, dedicated to containing only a specific waste; and to prevent an unauthorized user from emptying his domestic container into a street container that does not correspond to said user.

[0028] A main object of the present invention is to overcome the problems and disadvantages described above, preventing users from emptying their household container into a container, which does not correspond to the type of waste present in the container, and preventing users from emptying their domestic container in a container, which does not belong to your geographical area.

[0029] This was achieved, according to the invention, by providing a system as defined in the following claims.

[0030] These and other objects will be better understood with reference to the following description and the attached figures, which illustrate, merely by way of non-limiting example, a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0031] In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a 3D view of a street container and a home container according to the present invention; figure 2 is a side view of the two containers corresponding to fig. 1;

Figure 3A is a side view showing the household container in a pre-insertion configuration, with the handle arranged in a position such as to keep the cover closed and in an inserted position in the street container;

Figure 3B is a front view showing the domestic container in an inserted position in the street container, with an enlarged detail related to the means for feeding and retaining the domestic container in the street container;

Figure 4A is a 3D view corresponding to Figure 3A;

Figure 4B is a side view corresponding to Figure 3A, during the emptying of the domestic container, with a second domestic container waiting;

Figures 5 and 6 are side views, also showing some internal parts, showing the domestic container open for emptying and during the removal stage from the street container, respectively; figure 7 shows the insertion sequence of the domestic container in the disposal opening of the street container; Y

Figure 8 shows the sequence of disinsertion of the domestic container from the disposal opening of the street container.

[0032] The present invention is based on an innovative concept of volumetric disposal not included, but "to go", and was conceived, in particular, to optimize the volumetric waste collection system with the aim of solving most of the disadvantages listed above.

[0033] In the following, the term "street" container CS will refer to a container for the collection of waste, either above ground and/or underground and/or partially underground, which can be emptied from above (like containers) or from down (like bells), such as those normally found along streets above ground or in special underground pits with an above ground manhole and emptied using motorized vehicles fitted with handling equipment, allowing that said containers/receptacles are lifted and emptied in a special part of the vehicle.

[0034] Similarly, the term "domestic" container CD, below, will refer to a container of the type used for separate door-to-door collections, which users normally keep in their homes and leave on the street - outside their main door - on fixed days and at fixed times for the collection of the type of waste that corresponds to the container.

[0035] A first particular feature of the invention consists in the fact that it combines the door-to-door collection system - and, consequently, the possibility of a generalized separate collection - with the collection system by means of CS street containers , using, as an access and identification key, a domestic container CD which, when coupled to the street container CS by means of an appropriate mechanical or electromechanical coupling and release device present in the latter, allows the "volumetric" elimination of the waste using the CD household container itself as the volumetric unit of measurement.

[0036] A second characteristic of the present invention is that said CD domestic container is unambiguously identifiable, preferably by means of an RFID tag 1 with which it is provided, which is configured to communicate and be recognized by an RFID communication device provided with an antenna present in the street container CS.

[0037] A first alternative includes the possibility of using other unique identification systems, such as a qR code or a bar code, or others adapted to the object.

[0038] A second alternative includes said univocal identification of the domestic container CD that is carried out by coupling means configured to work with a univocal conformation of the system or with mechanical contrasts designed to activate the electronic and/or optical and/or mechanical systems .

[0039] The volume of the domestic container CD is suitable for the type of waste it must contain and said hooking and release device 3 is preferably of the mechanical and/or electromechanical type.

[0040] Another particular advantageous feature of the invention is that the deletion is performed without the user's recognition key, which, as indicated above, is embedded in the home CD container and therefore cannot be forgotten or lost. lose.

[0041] The hook and release device 3 according to the invention can have various geometric shapes, which are united by the fact that they are aligned on one or more sides, or on the entire perimeter, or on part of the perimeter, of the mouth of a CD domestic container so that it partially or totally coincides with the opening on the street container.

[0042] More specifically, the described hooking and release device 3 comprises feeding and retaining means preferably configured to join the profile of the mouth of the domestic container CD designed for disposal, in order to maintain such alignment and prevent the container from domestic container CD is separated from the street container CS (of larger dimensions) in which there may be one or more openings adapted to receive the domestic containers C ^d .

[0043] A variation of the invention (not shown), could include that the feed and hold can also be implemented with a device applied to the container, configured to allow the mechanical interface of the system to modify the shape of the CD home container to adapt it to the container CS street.

[0044] Said hooking and release device 3 is associated with opening/closing means for the disposal opening 4 when the home container CD is in a suitable slot, which are authorized, ordered or activated by univocal identification means 2 configured to recognize:

- the data of the user of the domestic container CD

- the type of waste for which the CD household container is intended;

- the shape of the CD domestic container that is to be coupled to such a system.

[0045] Said opening/closing means for the disposal opening 4 are actuated by independent mechanical and/or electromechanical latches, adapted to allow the selective opening of the street container CS.

[0046] Said system allows the street container CS to be closed again by means of contrasts and/or levers during the collection/uncoupling of the domestic container CD from the street container CS.

[0047] Said hooking and release device 3 of the domestic container CD is preferably located on the cover 5 of the street container CS, however, it is possible to include its installation in positions that also allow its use by disabled people.

[0048] It is also appropriate to point out that said RFID communication and recognition means, said hooking and release device 3 and all the electromechanical and electronic devices present in the street container CS are preferably powered by at least one battery arranged in the CS street container itself. Advantageously, to optimize battery use, the opening/closing and recognition system provided in the latching and releasing device is normally off and only it lights up at the moment of removal, that is to say, when the domestic container CD is inserted into the hooking and release device 3 arranged on the street container CS. Said battery could also be associated with a solar panel to recharge it during the day.

KEY CODE:

[0049]

1.RFID chip

2. Means of unique identification

3. Hook and release device for the domestic container

4. Disposal opening with door

5. Cover for the street container

6. Cover for the domestic container

7. Domestic container carrying handle

8. Retention means for the cover of the domestic container

CS Street Container

CD household container

Claims (11)

1. A system for the volumetric disposal of waste in street containers (CS) above ground or underground or partially underground, which can be emptied from above or below, the system comprising: - one or more street containers (CS) that are provided with identification means (2), communication and recognition, where the identification means (2) comprise at least one of an RFID reader, a QR code reader and a barcode reader, and are configured to provide a unique identification of at least one RFID chip (1) or a corresponding QR code or barcode and - one or more domestic containers (CD) provided with at least one RFID chip (1), a QR code or a corresponding barcode; where each of the one or more street containers (CS) has a main emptying mouth inaccessible to users by means of a cover (5) or a rear part that cannot be opened, and is further provided with at least one disposal opening (4) comprising a mechanical or electromechanical latching and release device (3) for the one or more domestic containers (DC), said latching and release device (3) being configured to allow the volumetric elimination of waste only in the case that a corresponding domestic container of the one or more domestic containers (CD) is recognized by said identification means (2); where said one or more household containers (CD) is usable as a volumetric unit of measurement. 2. A system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of said one or more domestic containers (CD) is uniquely identifiable by means of an RFID tag or a QR code or a barcode with which it is provided, configured to communicate and be recognized by said corresponding identification means (2) for said RFID tag or said qR code or said bar code, present in each of said one or more street containers (CS). 3. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said one or more domestic containers (CD) is uniquely identifiable through coupling means configured to function with unique formation of a corresponding street container between said one or more street containers (CS). A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said mechanical or electromechanical hooking and release device (3) comprises feeding, aligning and retaining means configured to join the profile of the loading/unloading mouth of a corresponding domestic container of the one or more domestic containers (CD), to maintain said alignment and prevent the one or more domestic containers (CD) from separating from the one or more street containers (CS). 5. A system according to claim 2, characterized in that, said hooking and release device (3) is associated with opening/closing means for the at least one disposal opening (4), the at least one disposal opening (4) being adapted to be activated when a respective domestic container of the one one or more domestic containers (CD) is in a suitable slot, which can be ordered or activated by said identification means (2); said identification means (2) are configured, in addition to identifying the one or more domestic containers (CD), to recognize: data of the user of the respective domestic container (CD), and/or the type of waste for which the respective domestic container (CD) is intended, and/or a form of the respective home container (CD) that will be attached to the street container (CS). 6. A system according to claim 5, characterized in that said opening/closing means can be operated by independent mechanical and/or electromechanical locks, adapted to allow the selective opening of the one or more street containers (CS). A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hooking and release device (3) for the one or more domestic containers (CD) is placed on the cover (5) of the one or more street containers (CS) , and/or in such positions that they can also be used by disabled people. 8. A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that : - said means of identification (2), communication and recognition; - said hooking and release device (3); Y - all the electromechanical and electronic devices present in the one or more street containers (CS); they are powered by at least one battery arranged on a respective edge of the one or more street containers (CS). 9. A system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that , in order to optimize the use of the battery, the opening/closing means and the recognition means, provided in the hooking and release device (3), are configured to be normally off and turn on only at the time of disposal, that is, when the corresponding domestic container of the one or more domestic containers (CD) is inserted into the hook and release device (3) present in the one or more containers of street (CS). A system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the one or more domestic containers (CD) is provided with retaining means (8) for a cover (6) of the domestic container (CD), associated with a position of its carrying handle (7), so that during the feeding of the domestic container (CD) in the alignment means of the hooking and release device (3), said domestic container (CD) remains closed to prevent spillage of the residues contained in it. 11. A system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said retention means (8) are aligned with the hooking and release device (3) and are configured to release the cover (6) of each of the one or more domestic containers ( CD) allowing its emptying.